The southeastern resource point of the Yunxiao Sect was in turmoil, thrown into chaos by the clash of Golden Core stage elders from three sects. Shao An and Feng Ren, at a disadvantage due to their fewer numbers, relied on Shao An's Cloud Technique to keep a distance and maneuver defensively. The sky above roiled with clouds, sometimes torn apart by searing blades of fire and sometimes infiltrated by toxic mists, as the situation grew ever more dire.
Shao An's expression darkened as he felt his spiritual power depleting at an alarming rate. Although the Cloud Technique allowed him to obscure his presence, it was difficult to sustain in such an intense battle. "Feng Ren, we can't stay on the defensive any longer. If we don't take the initiative, we'll lose the resource point."
Feng Ren clenched his teeth and scanned for an opening with his spiritual sense. He eyed the advancing fire blade elder and the poison master from Xuanshao Sect, tension coiling within him as fire and poison intertwined in lethal arcs.
"Prepare for an assault. I'll take the right flank; you take the left!" Feng Ren called out.
They moved in sync, channeling their spiritual power. Azure blade light and dense black clouds flanked their enemies from both sides. The fire blade elder sneered, swinging his flaming sword to form a fiery barrier that blocked the azure blade light. Simultaneously, the poison elder unleashed a surge of toxic mist that morphed into countless snake-like phantoms, coiling toward Shao An.
Shao An's eyes gleamed coldly as he rapidly formed seals with his hands. "Cloud Severance!" he shouted. The black clouds twisted into razor-sharp blades, slicing through the venomous snakes. Though the phantoms shattered, the pervasive mist still encroached, gnawing at Shao An's protective barrier.
On the battlefield below, Wang Quan and the other Foundation Establishment disciples were locked in fierce combat with enemy cultivators. Fire and sword light crisscrossed the air as Xiao Yan unleashed a flaming wall to hold back a surge of foes. Meanwhile, Xiao Fei wielded his spiritual sword in a formation, coordinating seamlessly with Wang Quan.
"This is too much for us," Xiao Yan panted, anxiety flashing in his eyes. "If the Golden Core elders can't hold out, we Foundation Establishment disciples won't be able to keep the resource point."
Wang Quan's brow furrowed, equally troubled but resolute. He knew panic was not an option. Five-element spiritual power coursed through him as he activated his Five Elements Technique, sending a streak of sword energy slashing through the enemy line.
"Focus your attacks! Don't let them break through the line!" Wang Quan shouted, his sword light cutting down an enemy cultivator like a meteor.
A Foundation Establishment cultivator from the opposing side charged forward with a wicked grin, brandishing a gleaming spiritual blade aimed directly at Wang Quan. He pivoted and parried the strike, sparks flying as blade met sword. The enemy's powerful spiritual energy jolted Wang Quan's arm, nearly unbalancing him, but he steadied himself and countered with a swift slice aimed at the opponent's side.
"Yunxiao Sect isn't as strong as they claim!" the enemy jeered, blocking Wang Quan's counterattack with a surge of spiritual energy. Seizing the moment, Xiao Yan's flames erupted, forming a serpentine blaze that struck at the opponent's flank. Caught off-guard, the enemy's protective barrier shattered under the fiery assault, and Wang Quan finished him off with a flash of sword light.
Meanwhile, in the sky, the situation became even more critical. The fire blade elder and poison master pressed their assault, closing in on Shao An and Feng Ren. Their protective barriers were nearing their limits, fraying under the relentless attacks. Shao An, dodging another fiery onslaught with the Cloud Technique, calmly calculated their next move.
"We need to separate them," Shao An thought, an idea sparking. He transmitted his plan to Feng Ren: "Feign exhaustion and lure them deeper into the cloud cover."
Understanding instantly, Feng Ren staggered back, mimicking the weariness of drained spiritual energy. The fire blade elder smirked, calling out, "There's nowhere left for you to run!" He unleashed a torrent of flame serpents that lashed out at Feng Ren.
Shao An condensed the clouds into razor-sharp edges, laying a hidden trap. As the fire blade elder stepped into the dense mist, the cloud barrier erupted, sending sharp black projections piercing toward him.
The elder's eyes widened, and he hastily fortified his barrier, amplifying the flames around him to deflect the attack. At that moment, Feng Ren unleashed his final reserves of power, slashing with an azure blade that clashed head-on with the fire blade elder's shield. The impact sent out a shockwave that forced the surrounding Foundation Establishment disciples to retreat.
Seeing an opening, the poison master smirked coldly and waved his staff. A whirlwind of toxic mist surged toward Shao An and Feng Ren, threatening to engulf them completely.